In the early days of film, movies were a universal language. Without sound, filmmakers had to rely on visual storytelling techniques like framing, shot size, and editing. This allowed films to cross language barriers and be enjoyed by audiences all over the world.
Before World War I, Europe had a thriving film culture, with much attention on France and the United States. However, the war changed everything. It disrupted film production and influenced the political and psychological environment for filmmakers, especially in Germany.
Before the war, German films were mostly about entertainment, often falling into the “cinema of attractions” category. But as cinema evolved, filmmakers began to use more complex storytelling techniques, inspired by the French “film d’art” movement. This led to the creation of the Autorenfilm, or “famous author’s film,” which focused on deep character-driven stories.
In 1917, the German military took control of major film studios, creating a state-sponsored entity called UFA. This was meant to centralize resources and produce nationalist films to support the war. After Germany’s defeat, the film industry was left with a strong infrastructure, unlike other European countries.
The post-war Weimar Period was a time of political instability, hyperinflation, and social unrest. Despite these challenges, Germany’s film industry was strong enough to compete with Hollywood. UFA’s first films were lavish costume dramas that entertained audiences during tough economic times.
One of the most important films of this era was *The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari* (1920), produced by the independent studio Decla. Written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer, the film was inspired by their World War I experiences and reflected their distrust of authority. It tells the story of a young man caught up with a mad doctor and a sleepwalking killer, ending with a twist that reveals the protagonist as an unreliable narrator.
The film’s unique use of mise-en-scène—how visual elements are arranged in a shot—set it apart. Director Robert Wiene and his team used exaggerated and distorted visuals to show the characters’ inner thoughts, moving away from realism. This expressionistic style became a key feature of German cinema during the Weimar Period.
Although *Caligari* wasn’t an instant hit, its techniques influenced many filmmakers, including those at UFA. The expressionistic mise-en-scène became a hallmark of the era, attracting talent from across Europe, including a young Alfred Hitchcock. As Germany’s political climate shifted toward fascism, many filmmakers moved to Hollywood, bringing their innovative techniques with them.
Fritz Lang and F.W. Murnau were two major figures in German cinema during this time. Lang, originally an architect, created visually stunning films like *Metropolis*, which combined expressionist techniques with special effects. Murnau, known for his mastery of lighting and camera movement, made *Nosferatu* and *The Last Laugh*, both exploring the psychological depths of their characters.
Despite its early success, the German film industry faced big challenges in the mid-1920s. The Dawes Plan, which aimed to stabilize Germany’s economy, inadvertently hurt the film industry by limiting exports and making it hard for independent companies to get financing. As American studios flooded the market with their films, Germany’s influence in global cinema began to decline.
The techniques developed during the Weimar Period have had a lasting impact on film history. From film noir to modern horror, the influence of German Expressionism is evident in various genres. The movement’s focus on subjective storytelling and innovative visual techniques continues to inspire filmmakers today.
This exploration of German cinema during and after World War I shows how the political climate shaped filmmakers and their work. The rise of German Expressionism, with its exaggerated mise-en-scène and psychological depth, revolutionized cinema and left a lasting mark on film history. In the next installment, we will explore the influence of the Russian Revolution on filmmaking, particularly in editing and the theory of Soviet Montage.
Watch a key scene from *The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari* and analyze the use of mise-en-scène. Pay attention to the visual elements such as lighting, set design, and camera angles. Write a short essay discussing how these elements contribute to the film’s expressionistic style and how they reflect the characters’ psychological states.
In groups, create a short film (2-3 minutes) using expressionist techniques. Focus on exaggerated visuals and storytelling through mise-en-scène rather than dialogue. Present your film to the class and explain the choices you made in terms of visual style and narrative.
Choose a director from the Weimar Period, such as Fritz Lang or F.W. Murnau, and research their contributions to cinema. Prepare a presentation that includes clips from their films, highlighting how they used expressionist techniques. Discuss how their work influenced later filmmakers.
Participate in a class debate on the influence of German Expressionism versus Hollywood cinema in the 1920s. Prepare arguments for how each style contributed to the evolution of film. Consider aspects like storytelling, visual techniques, and global influence.
Identify a modern film or TV show that uses techniques inspired by German Expressionism. Write a report analyzing specific scenes, focusing on how expressionist elements are used to enhance the narrative or emotional impact. Discuss the lasting legacy of German Expressionism in contemporary media.
Cinema – The art or technique of making and presenting motion pictures. – The rise of cinema in the early 20th century revolutionized how stories were told and experienced by audiences worldwide.
Expressionism – An artistic style that seeks to depict the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in the artist. – Expressionism in theater often involves exaggerated sets and performances to convey the inner turmoil of characters.
Filmmakers – Individuals involved in the creation and production of films, including directors, producers, and screenwriters. – Many filmmakers of the Weimar Republic era used innovative techniques to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Weimar – Referring to the Weimar Republic, the German state from 1919 to 1933, known for its cultural renaissance and political instability. – The Weimar period was a time of significant artistic experimentation, particularly in the fields of cinema and theater.
Mise-en-scène – The arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play or film, encompassing everything that appears before the camera and its arrangement. – The director’s meticulous attention to mise-en-scène helped create a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience.
Germany – A country in Central Europe, known for its rich cultural history and contributions to the arts, especially during the Weimar Republic. – Germany’s influence on modern theater and cinema is profound, with many techniques and styles originating from its artists.
UFA – Universum Film-Aktiengesellschaft, a major German film company during the Weimar Republic, known for producing influential films. – UFA played a crucial role in the development of German cinema, producing classics that are still studied today.
Storytelling – The art of narrating stories, often incorporating elements of drama, character development, and plot structure. – Effective storytelling in theater relies on the actors’ ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through their performances.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often influencing cultural and artistic expressions. – The history of theater reveals how societal changes and historical events have shaped dramatic arts over centuries.
World War – A global conflict involving many of the world’s nations, significantly impacting cultural and artistic movements. – The aftermath of World War I led to a period of introspection and innovation in the performing arts, as artists sought to express the complexities of the human experience.
